Airride idea/query

[schoona]

Howdy all, just researching for later on.

the R32 is a "low car standard", and as such has paint scuffs etc on the body. In time I want to fix these up, and also maintain the new paint.

The car "feels like poo" on OEM monroe suspension as well.

I was considering airrride, to protect the panels, have it looking how I want yada yada.
Though I still want it to handle.

I have looked at airride setups from stanceworks/vortex etc, and have not seen a setup similar to how I am thinking.

WHAT IF.....

What if, instead of pressure holding the bags up during normal driving, and then exhausting to lower the car, the system was reversed.

Mount the bag above the body, use pressure to lower it (obviously needs to overcome spring pressure) and then exhaust to raise.
The reason I say this (I know Bagyard use Bilstein struts) is I want to have a quality ride that handles, and looks good when parked/at low speeds.

As I understand it, the bag over coil options on the market at the moment are just that, fully deflated only go as low as the coils are wound to, and when raised at all, riding on pressure/partially inflated bags.

Hope this makes sense to all!

Dom/anyone else with ideas?

[Jarred]

that makes no sense to me where exactly are you planning on mounting the bag?

I'd just go with some bagyards, as they are adjustable shocks. (and you just adjust the bag pressure to give the desired spring rate).

[schoona]

that makes no sense to me where exactly are you planning on mounting the bag?

I'd just go with some bagyards, as they are adjustable shocks. (and you just adjust the bag pressure to give the desired spring rate).

Gah sorry!

I'll try and draw something up.

[schoona]

Alrighty:



No1:
Conventional bag over coil setup

when pressure goes through the DCV to "pump up the bag" car raises. Under normal driving, the car is driving on air pressure, not the shock (BY use Bilstein I think?). When the dcv goes the other way, pressure is exhausted and the car rides as low as the coils are wound (in simple terms).

No2:
When pressure is applied, the car lowers. Ie low speed driving for show/hard parking. Under normal driving circumstances (cutting through corners) the coils can be a decent length up for good handling/stroke length, and there is no pressure in the bags so it acts as a normal coilover setup at "low height", but not slammed.

If that makes sense?

[zbeasty]

I see where you are coming from and nothing that a lot of work couldn't achieve but that would mean sitting the bags at the front on top of the strut towers. You'd have to lower the strut towers to have enough clearance with the underside of the bonnet. That would mean shorter struts which would result in less travel.

[schoona]

I see where you are coming from and nothing that a lot of work couldn't achieve but that would mean sitting the bags at the front on top of the strut towers. You'd have to lower the strut towers to have enough clearance with the underside of the bonnet. That would mean shorter struts which would result in less travel.

Exactly as I thought.
Obviously if it was feasible, it'd be done already. Just gauging opinion on the idea/what might work/previous experience etc

Ta!

[fuzion]

My opinion

You either spend the money on proper bags, or dont.

You dont want to have something half assed with suspension. Too risky.

[schoona]

My opinion

You either spend the money on proper bags, or dont.

You dont want to have something half assed with suspension. Too risky.

Wasn't looking to get out of it half arsed or cheap Pierre, was trying to see if there was a solution aroundthat can have the car handle like it was EXACTLY on KW/Bilstein whatever coils, but still be able to hit the floor when you want.

Proper bags, well I haven't driven on them before so have no idea how they feel (for cornering etc), primarily the reason for looking at this route I'm not totally adverse to this idea, but if I can get guaranteed good handling and still be able to go low (hopefully im at the nice wheels stage then) then it's all good?

[Tim]

nothing half arsed about thinking outside the square.
KW do a hydraulic system that can raise/lower the car up to 45mm and installs onto some of their coilover kits. Hate to know the price though.

[schoona]

Yeah HLS is probably an option too?

interesting viewing

[fuzion]

i can get a price for you
but they arent cheap lol

[schoona]

Wait till I'm sitting down and rub my shoulders gently? lol.

Not needed for a while yet, just notched up 5k + haha

[Ben J]

from what I've read air can handle just aswell as street coilovers if you set it up right. have a look through here VWVortex.com - AirRide and Performance. if you havent before. I don't understand how your suggested idea would handle any better though? Havent had a good think about it though, not in a smart mood, haha.

God id love to bag the mk3

[WABIT]

if your not too keen on bag setup's, bagyard airride have another alternative about to come on sale...

New Product Monday!

We're pleased to announce the BagYard HyLift Suspension System! This system will fit over Bilstein PSS coilovers and give you 2" of lift! The system uses a collapsable cup (as shown) that fits over your threaded coil body and mates with a small hydraulic pump. We'll post several more pictures throughout the day.

We...'re currently putting together a list of those who might be interested in this setup. If you're interested, please send us an email with your contact information and we will keep you up to speed as the system becomes available.

Email:

info@openroadtuning.com

[dark]

pretty awesome!